Evaluation of fear and stress levels and methods of coping with stress among parents having children with chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the fear and stress levels of parents having children with chronic disease and their methods to cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive and correlation study was conducted with the participation of 390 parents with and without children suffering from chronic diseases. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCS), Parenting Stress Index (PSI-SF), and Coping Response Inventory (CRI) were used to collect data. In the data analysis, Kurtosis and Skewness coefficients were used to check the assumption of normal distribution, t-test was used to compare two independent groups and Pearson correlation analysis was used to make relational inferences. RESULT: It was found that 84.9% (n = 331) of the parents were mothers and 15.1% (n = 59) were fathers. The FCS mean score of the parents having children with chronic diseases was 21.52 ± 5.07, their PSI-SF mean score was 68.27 ± 25.56, and their CRI mean score was 96.97 ± 15.12. For the parents having children without chronic diseases, the FCS mean score was 18.10 ± 5.80, the PSI-SF mean score was 68.75 ± 23.43, and the CRI mean score was 94.77 ± 15.08. CONCLUSION: It was determined that parents having children with chronic diseases had higher levels of COVID-19 fear during the pandemic than parents having child without chronic diseases, but their stress levels and CRI mean scores were similar. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is important for nurses to take into account the feelings of fear and stress experienced by parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide coping methods.

The association of fear of COVID-19 on occupational stress in pediatric nurses: Examining the mediating role of psychological well-being.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the associations of fear of COVID-19 with occupational stress and the mediating role of psychological well-being in pediatric nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022. The sample consisted of 464 pediatric nurses from public or university hospitals in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Occupational Stress Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and regression analysis. RESULTS: Participants' fear of COVID-19 was positively associated with their occupational stress (F = 17.263; p < 0.001) but negatively associated with their psychological well-being (F = 10.575; p = 0.001). Their psychological well-being was negatively associated with their occupational stress (F = 22.084; p < 0.001). Nurses fear of COVID-19 explained three and 2 % of their occupational stress and psychological well-being, respectively. Nurses' psychological well-being explained 4 % of their occupational stress. The results showed that participants' psychological well-being did not mediate between their fear of COVID-19 and occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Pediatric nurses fear COVID-19 but have an above-mean level of occupational stress and psychological well-being. In conclusion, psychological well-being does not mediate between pediatric nurses' fear of COVID-19 and occupational stress. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The pandemic was a traumatic experience for pediatric nurses. Hospital administrators and nurse managers must monitor the psychosocial health of pediatric nurses and support them in times of crisis.

Pre- and post-treatment evaluation of routine blood analysis in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comparison with the healthy control group.

This study aimed to examine potential disparities in hematologic inflammation parameters between children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their healthy counterparts and to determine whether atomoxetine treatment induced any alterations in inflammation indicators. This case-control study involved 43 children aged 6-13 years, 22 diagnosed with ADHD for the first time, and 21 healthy children. In all children, complete blood count and albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (free T4), folate, vitamin B12, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine and urea values were performed. Children with ADHD were started on atomoxetine treatment, and one month later, the blood test was repeated for those who commenced treatment. Neutrophil (p = 0.005), platelet (PLT) (p = 0.002), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p < 0.001), systemic immune /inflammation index (SII) (p < 0.001) and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) (p = 0.025) parameters were found to be significantly higher than the control group, while the lymphocyte value (p = 0.001) was found to be significantly lower. In those in the ADHD group, lymphocyte (p = 0.041) and albumin (p = 0.027) values increased significantly after treatment. The results of this study show the increase in inflammation in drug-naive ADHD patients and the partial improvement after treatment. However, there is a need to evaluate inflammation in larger samples after longer-term treatments and follow-ups.

The effect of kangaroo care on cortisol levels and immune factors in breast milk.

This paper investigated the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) in the early postpartum period on cortisol levels and immune factors in breast milk. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in western Türkiye. The sample consisted of 63 mothers and their infants. All mothers had a cesarean delivery. Participants were divided into control (n = 32) and experimental groups (n = 31). The control group received routine care at the clinic. The experimental group received KMC for the first 3 days after birth in addition to the routine care at the clinic. Milk samples were collected on the third day after delivery to examine cortisol, IgA, IgM, and IgG levels. All parameters were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The experimental group had lower cortisol levels (17.740 ± 1.438) than the control group (18.503 ± 1.449) (p < .05). This result showed that the difference between the two groups was clinically significant (effect size = .53). There was no significant difference in IgA, IgM, and IgG levels between the groups (p > .05). The experimental and control groups had similar immunological factors, but the former had lower cortisol levels than the latter. Therefore, healthcare professionals should encourage mothers to provide KMC to their infants as soon as possible.

The Relationship Between Digital Game Addiction and Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction in Adolescents.

Background In this study, it was aimed to examine digital addiction, loneliness and social dissatisfaction among adolescents studying in Adiyaman, Turkey, and to determine the relationship with each other. Methodology Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children (DGASFC) and Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire (LSDQ) were administered to 634 middle and high school students. A questionnaire form was used as a data collection tool. Results DGASFC scores and LSDQ scores were found to be higher in males, in high school students, in those whose parents' education level was high school or above, in those whose parents lived separately, in those with good economic status, in those who were younger, and in those who were not restricted by their families. A significant positive correlation was found between DGASFC and LSDQ scores. Conclusions Digital addiction should be followed closely in terms of accompanying disorders or pathologies that predispose to it. In our study, it was found that digital game addiction, loneliness and social dissatisfaction decreased with age. However, this applies separately to middle school and high school groups. Because, despite their older age, high school adolescents have been found to be more digitally dependent, lonely and socially dissatisfied than secondary school students. Contrary to the studies in the literature, the risk of digital addiction, loneliness and social dissatisfaction was found to be low in those with low economic status.

Cyberchondria and COVID-19 anxiety and internet addiction among nursing students.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between cyberchondria and COVID-19 anxiety and internet addiction in nursing students. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 843 students studying in the nursing department of Adnan Menderes University. The mean age of the students was 20.8 ± 1.72 years and 61.2% were female. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form were used to collect data. The study found a positive association between internet addiction, cyberchondria severity, and anxiety about COVID-19. It was found that the anxiety of COVID-19 had a mediating role in the association between internet addiction and cyberchondria severity. It was found that the use of the internet as a source of information on health problems and trusting the health information found had a significant effect on high cyberchondria levels (p < 0.05). Taken together, the findings of previous studies and this study on the role of the association between internet addiction and cyberchondria exacerbating anxiety due to the pandemic provide further evidence for healthcare professionals that greater focus is needed on the problems of the new era related to people-internet interaction. To reduce the negative effects of the current health crisis and future health crises, interventions for nursing students to control their internet use and cyberchondria behaviors should be prioritized.

Attitudes towards human milk banking among native turkish and refugee women residing in a rural region of Turkey: a mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: Human milk banks (HMB) play an essential role by providing human milk to infants who would otherwise not be able to receive mother's milk. There is currently no donor milk bank in Turkey. For any new health intervention to be successful, determining its acceptability is a vital first step. This study intends to determine the opinions, knowledge, and attitudes of native Turkish and refugee women living in Çestepe, Aydin, a rural area in Turkey, about HMB. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted. Qualitative study data were collected through in-depth interviews with 33 women, and quantitative study data were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 271 women in the region were included in the study. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed and then a conceptual framework was created. Logistic regression was performed for quantitative data. RESULTS: Fifty-seven point nine per cent of the women were willing to donate breast milk, whereas only 27.7% were willing to use donor milk for their babies. Religious concerns, fear of infectious diseases, and distrust in people they did not know were among the reasons for the negative attitudes of the women. Fear of infectious diseases was mentioned specifically by native Turkish women, and religious concerns were reported both by native Turkish and refugee women. The importance of breast milk and religion were among the reasons for positive attitudes. Additionally, odds of having a positive attitude were 4.19 times higher in homemaker women (95% CI 2.0, 8.76); 4.77 times higher in women with three or more children (95% CI 1.25, 8.15); 6.12 times higher in women who had a positive attitude towards wet nursing (95% CI 3.14, 9.63); and 2.68 times higher in those who had previously heard about human milk banking (95% CI 1.24, 5.79). CONCLUSION: Attitudes towards HMB are affected by religion, cultural beliefs, and concerns about the safety of breast milk in HMBs. Refugees and native Turkish women are found to have similar religious concerns. These findings should be taken into consideration in human milk banking initiatives and in activities to increase acceptance by the public.

The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Breastfeeding and Development in Preterm Neonates.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of kangaroo care (KC) on breastfeeding rate and development in preterm neonates in the first six months of life. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of preterm neonates in the NICU of two state hospitals of Turkey. The experimental group (n =30) was provided with KC by their mothers for 30 min once a day during a postnatal month. The control group (n = 30) received routine care. Feeding patterns and physical development parameters were determined during the transition to exclusive breastfeeding and at discharge, and in the first, third, and sixth postnatal months. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, a nutrition and physical development follow-up form, and a home KC follow-up form. Percentage distribution, mean, chi-square test, and t-test were used for analysis. RESULTS: The KC group had a significantly higher mean body weight than the control group in the third and sixth postnatal months (p < .05). The KC group had higher breast milk intake and breastfeeding rates than the control group during the transition to exclusive breastfeeding and at discharge, and in the first, third, and sixth postnatal months (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The KC neonates were breastfed for a more extended period of time than controls. This result suggests that KC improves breast milk intake and breastfeeding rates. Therefore, mothers should be trained in KC in the postnatal period. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should encourage and follow mothers for kangaroo care.

Effectiveness of transparent film dressing for peripheral intravenous catheter.

BACKGROUND: The intravenous applications are the most common type of such interventions. It is underlined that in cases where the peripheral intravenous catheter is not properly secured in place, even a minor movement inside the vein would result in injury of vein. OBJECTIVE: The insertion of peripheral intravenous catheter is a common practice. This is a randomized controlled prospective study aiming at investigating the effectiveness of use of transparent film dressing for peripheral intravenous catheter. METHODS: The universe of this study included inpatients in the Internal Diseases clinic of a University Hospital, and the sample included a total of 110 peripheral intravenous catheters that were calculated by power analysis. The patient identification form, the peripheral venous catheter and treatment information form, and the visual infusion phlebitis identification scale were used to collect data. The forms were completed by the investigators on the basis of daily observations. The data were assessed by the percentage, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis via the software SPSS 20.00. RESULTS: The individuals in the study group and the control group included in the sample are comparable in terms of gender, having/not having a chronic disease, the site of peripheral intravenous catheter, use of antibiotics, intravenous fluid therapy, and mean age. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. There was a significant relationship between the dwell time for the catheter and development of any complications and the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of transparent film dressing for insertion of peripheral intravenous catheter can be recommended as it increases the dwell time for the catheter and reduces incidence of complications.

The Effects of Two Methods on Venipuncture Pain in Children: Procedural Restraint and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Package.

BACKGROUND: Invasive interventions can produce fear, anxiety, and pain in children. This may negatively affect the children's treatment and care. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the effects of procedural restraint (PR) and cognitive-behavioral intervention package (CBIP) on venipuncture pain in children between 6-12 years of age. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the pediatric blood collection service of the hospital in Turkey between October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: The population of the study consisted of children admitted to the blood collection service during the study period who met the inclusion criteria. METHODS: The children included in the study were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 31) received PR in accordance with routine clinical practice. Group 2 (n = 30) received the CBIP. The data were collected by the researchers using a questionnaire, the visual analog scale (VAS), and the Wong-Baker FACES (WB-FACES) Pain Rating Scale. RESULTS: The children in the PR group had a mean VAS score of 5.90 ± 3.22 and a mean WB-FACES score of 8.70 ± 2.22. The children in the CBIP group had a mean VAS score of 2.43 ± 2.02 and a mean WB-FACES score of 2.80 ± 2.49. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean VAS and WB-FACES pain scores of the groups (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the children in the CBIP group had a lower pain level during venipuncture compared to those restrained for the procedure.

Validity and reliability of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T), Turkish version1.

OBJECTIVE: A methodological type of study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale of the clinical learning environment of students, clinical nurses, and educators. METHODS: Sample was comprised of 602 Turkish nursing students with clinical practice experience at the hospital. The CLES+T, developed by Saarikoski, was used for data collection. Language equivalency, internal consistency, item-total correlation, and structure validity were conducted within the scope of the validity and reliability study on the CLES +T scale. RESULTS: It was determined that item-total correlations of four items were lower than 0.30, and those items were removed from the scale as a result of item analysis. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was 0.93-0.99; item total point correlations of the scale varied between 0.45 and 0.66; six factors were identified in the CLES+T factor analysis study, with a total variance explained by these six factors of 64%. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of the research, the CLES+T Turkish version was found to be a valid and reliable scale, which can be used to evaluate satisfaction of nursing students with their clinical education in Turkey.

Evaluation of protein C and protein S levels in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving therapy with statins and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers.

AIMS: To evaluate protein C, protein S level in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy. METHODS: 95 patients were included in the study and divided into four groups depending on the use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy. Group 1 comprised of patients receiving statin therapy (n = 15), Group 2 comprised of patients receiving ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 31), Group 3 comprised of patients receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 23), and Group 4 comprised of patients who did not receive either statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 26). These four groups were compared with respect to protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, D-dimer, INR, and aPTT levels. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences with respect to protein C levels. Group 1 and group 2 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). Similarly, Group 3 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to protein S, INR, aPTT, and D-dimer levels. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients receiving statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy had higher protein C levels. Use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy in diabetic patients decrease hypercoagulability and therefore could reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Validity and reliability of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T), Turkish version / Validade e confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES+T) / Validez y confiabilidad del Entorno de Aprendizaje Clínico, Supervisión y Enfermera Docente (CLES+T), versión turca

ABSTRACT Aim: A methodological type of study was conducted for the purpose of investigating the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale of the clinical learning environment of students, clinical nurses, and educators. Methods: Sample was comprised of 602 Turkish nursing students with clinical practice experience at the hospital. The CLES+T, developed by Saarikoski, was used for data collection. Language equivalency, internal consistency, item-total correlation, and structure validity were conducted within the scope of the validity and reliability study on the CLES +T scale. Results: It was determined that item-total correlations of four items were lower than 0.30, and those items were removed from the scale as a result of item analysis. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was 0.93-0.99; item total point correlations of the scale varied between 0.45 and 0.66; six factors were identified in the CLES+T factor analysis study, with a total variance explained by these six factors of 64%. Conclusion: According to the findings of the research, the CLES+T Turkish version was found to be a valid and reliable scale, which can be used to evaluate satisfaction of nursing students with their clinical education in Turkey.

RESUMO Objetivo: Um estudo do tipo metodológico foi desenvolvido com o propósito de investigar a validade e a confiabilidade da versão turca da escala de avaliação do Ambiente de Aprendizagem Clínica, Supervisão e Professor de Enfermagem (CLES + T) no ambiente de aprendizagem clínica de estudantes, enfermeiros clínicos e educadores. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 602 estudantes de enfermagem turcos com experiência na prática clínica hospitalar. O CLES + T, desenvolvido por Saarikoski, foi utilizado para coleta de dados. Equivalência de linguagem, consistência interna, correlação item-total e validade de estrutura foram avaliados no escopo do estudo de validade e confiabilidade na escala CLES + T. Resultados: As correlações item-total de quatro itens foram inferiores a 0,30, e tais itens foram removidos da escala como resultado da análise de itens. O valor alfa de Cronbach da escala foi de 0,93-0,99; as correlações item-total da escala variaram entre 0,45 e 0,66; seis fatores foram identificados na análise fatorial da escala, com uma variância total explicada por esses seis fatores de 64%. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, a versão turca do escala CLES+T foi considerada válida e confiável, a qual pode ser usada para avaliar a satisfação de estudantes de enfermagem com sua educação clínica na Turquia.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio de tipo metodológico con el fin de investigar la validez y la fiabilidad de la versión turca de la escala de evaluación del entorno de aprendizaje clínico, la supervisión y la enfermera docente (CLES + T) del entorno clínico de aprendizaje de estudiantes, enfermeras clínicas, y docentes. Métodos: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 602 estudiantes de enfermería turcos con experiencia en práctica clínica en el hospital. Se utilizó el CLES + T, desarrollado por Saarikoski, para la recopilación de datos. Se realizaron la equivalencia idiomática, la consistencia interna, la correlación ítem-total y la validez de la estructura dentro del alcance del estudio de validez y confiabilidad en la escala CLES + T. Resultados: se determinó que las correlaciones ítem-total de cuatro ítems eran inferiores a 0.30, y se eliminaron de la escala como resultado del análisis. El valor alfa de Cronbach de la escala fue 0.93-0.99; las correlaciones de puntos totales de los ítems de la escala variaron entre 0.45 y 0.66; se identificaron seis factores en el estudio de análisis del factor CLES + T, con una varianza total explicada por estos seis factores del 64%. Conclusión: según los resultados de la investigación, se encontró que la versión turca de CLES + T era una escala válida y confiable, que se puede utilizar para evaluar la satisfacción de los estudiantes de enfermería con su educación clínica en Turquía.

Investigation of suitability of ventrogluteal site for intramuscular injections in children aged 36 months and under.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine suitability of ventrogluteal (VG) site for intramuscular (IM) injections in children aged 36 months and under. DESIGN AND METHODS: The present study was designed as a prospective descriptive study and performed between 2016 January and June. The study included a total of 120 children aged 36 months and under that met the study criteria. The subcutaneous tissue thickness and muscle thickness of anterolateral, deltoid, and VG sites were measured and assessed by ultrasound. RESULT: A strong and powerful correlation was identified between the measurements of subcutaneous tissue and muscle thicknesses in the injection site by the age groups. The thickness of subcutaneous tissue was deltoid < anterolateral < VG by age groups. The muscle thickness of anterolateral and VG sites was significantly higher than that of deltoid site. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study established that skin thickness of VG site was suitable for IM injection in children aged 36 months and under.